Creation of cross-border rail corridor from Kemerovo Region to China discussed in Siberia - authorities

KEMEROVO. March 3 (Interfax) - The creation of a cross-border railway corridor through Tashtagol, Kemerovo Region to Urumqi, China was discussed at the Krasnoyarsk Economic Forum (KEF), the Russian region's government said.

"All regions [in Siberia] point to the need to strengthen international ties with Asian countries, foremost China. [Kemerovo Region] has a developed transport connection to the Trans-Siberian Railway and is in close proximity to China. Therefore, for the accelerated economic development of Siberia it is most promising to create a cross-border railway corridor through Tashtagol to the city of Urumqi in China," the regional government's press service said.

"This will be one of the largest international infrastructure projects of our time, providing an opportunity to directly develop Siberia's international cooperation with countries in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as attract investment in major infrastructure and commercial projects," the press service said. It did not provide information about the timeframe for construction, the cost or extent of the cross-border corridor.

Tashtagol is the southernmost station of the West Siberian Railway in Kemerovo Region. Railway services from Urumqi westward are currently provided through Kazakhstan. The direct distance between Tashtagol and Urumqi is 997 km, while the driving distance is more than 2,000 km, according to public sources.